The Beginning of the Imperial Cult in Hispania in the Augustan Era

Abstract

Contrary to the assertions which linked the beginnings of the imperial cult in Hispania to the influence of indigenous traditions, evidence of Augustan period stresses the role of Roman authority and, in particular, of military commanders, with the exception of the altar of Tarraco, due to an initiative of local urban elites. That role of the victorious army at the origin of these religious manifestations seems especially clear in the Northwest. In any case, the early Augustan era imperial cult enrolls in the new culture of consensus and involves the adaptation of the cult of the Hellenistic princes in the Hispanic provinces.

Keywords

• culto imperial. augusto. consensus. hispania.